5.0(1 Reviews)Half Day Morning Fishing In Beaufort Waters
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour inshore fishing adventure targeting multiple speciesSmall group capacity ensures personalized fishing experienceProfessional charter targeting Red Drum and Speckled Trout
There's something special about getting on the water early in Beaufort, North Carolina. The morning bite is prime time, and this 4-hour inshore trip puts you right where the fish are feeding. Captain Griffee knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll get your small group of up to 3 anglers positioned perfectly to target some of the area's most sought-after species. Whether you're looking to land your first redfish or add another speckled trout to your count, these productive waters deliver consistent action that keeps anglers coming back season after season.
Your morning starts early, which is exactly when you want to be fishing these inshore waters. The boat heads out into Beaufort's maze of creeks, marshes, and grass flats where the fish congregate to feed. With just 3 spots available, you'll get personalized attention and plenty of room to work your lines without getting tangled up with other anglers. Captain Griffee adapts the trip based on conditions, tides, and what's biting that day. Some mornings you might find yourself working the grass beds for speckled trout, while other days could have you sight-casting to tailing redfish in the shallows. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the variety - you never know what might grab your bait next.
The captain provides all the gear you'll need, from medium-action spinning rods perfect for inshore work to a tackle box full of proven baits. Live shrimp is always a go-to option in these waters, but don't be surprised if you're throwing artificial lures like soft plastics, spoons, or topwater plugs depending on what the fish are hitting. The techniques vary with the target species and conditions - you might be bouncing jigs along the bottom for flounder, working the grass edges with live bait for trout, or making precise casts to structure for drum. If you're new to inshore fishing, Captain Griffee will walk you through the basics of reading water, understanding tides, and presenting your bait properly. Experienced anglers appreciate his knowledge of local hotspots and willingness to try different approaches until you find what works.
"Captain Griffee was absolutely stellar! Our group included three longtime friends of varying experience, and he made our four-hour trip memorable and fun. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for a great day on the water!" - John
Bluefish are aggressive predators that provide some of the most exciting action you'll find in Beaufort waters. These toothy fighters typically run 2-8 pounds and are known for their hard strikes and determined runs. They're most active during cooler months, roughly October through April, when they move through in large schools chasing baitfish. What makes bluefish so fun to catch is their willingness to hit just about anything - live bait, cut bait, or lures. When you find a school, the action can be non-stop, with multiple hookups happening simultaneously.
Striped bass, or rockfish as they're known locally, are prized catches that can range from schoolie-sized fish around 18-20 inches up to trophy specimens over 30 inches. These fish are most prevalent during their spring and fall migrations, typically March through May and October through December. Stripers are smart fish that require finesse and the right presentation. They're ambush predators that love structure, current breaks, and drop-offs. Landing a quality striper is always a highlight because they fight hard and taste even better on the dinner table.
Sea trout, or speckled trout, are the bread and butter of inshore fishing in North Carolina. These beautiful fish with their distinctive spots are most active during warmer months, from April through November, though you can catch them year-round in deeper holes during winter. They typically range from 12-20 inches, with larger "gator trout" over 24 inches being true trophies. Specks are structure-oriented fish that love grass beds, oyster bars, and creek mouths. They're known for their delicate mouths, so playing them requires a gentle touch, but their willingness to hit both live and artificial baits makes them perfect for anglers of all skill levels.
Redfish are the crown jewel of inshore fishing, and Beaufort's waters hold some beauties. These copper-colored bruisers typically range from 18-27 inches in the slot, though you might encounter oversized bull reds that'll test your tackle and skills. Redfish are year-round residents, but fall months often produce the best action when they school up in large numbers. What makes reds so special is their power - they'll make blistering runs and use their broad tails to put up a serious fight. Plus, they're not particularly line-shy, so you can use heavier tackle and still get bit.
Cobia are the wildcard catch that can make your entire trip. These brown sharks of the inshore world can show up anywhere from late spring through early fall, typically May through October. They're curious fish that often swim right up to the boat, giving you sight-fishing opportunities that get your heart racing. Cobia in these waters usually run 20-40 pounds, though bigger fish are always possible. They're excellent table fare and provide a completely different fight than other inshore species - more like battling a small shark with their broad heads and bulldogging tactics.
This half-day morning trip offers the perfect combination of prime fishing time, expert local knowledge, and small group attention that serious anglers appreciate. With only 3 spots available, you'll have plenty of room to fish comfortably while getting personalized instruction from Captain Griffee. The 4-hour timeframe gives you enough time to
Your ride for this half-day fishing adventure is a 2013 22' Pathfinder bay boat, perfectly suited for chasing redfish and speckled trout in Beaufort's shallow waters. This reliable fishing machine packs a 250HP Yamaha that'll get you to the hot spots fast, cruising at up to 50 knots when conditions allow. The Pathfinder's shallow draft design lets you access those skinny water areas where the big reds like to feed. With GPS navigation and a quality fish finder on board, you'll spend more time with your line in the water and less time searching. Built to handle up to four anglers comfortably, this boat gives everyone plenty of room to cast and fight fish without getting tangled up. Whether you're working the grass flats for trout or sight-casting to tailing drum, this bay boat delivers the stable platform and smooth ride you need for a successful morning on North Carolina's productive inshore waters.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive feeders that show up in our waters from spring through fall, typically running 3-8 pounds with some reaching 15+ pounds. These silvery-blue predators love to hunt in schools, often creating feeding frenzies that churn the water white. You'll find them around structure, inlet mouths, and anywhere baitfish gather. They're not picky eaters - menhaden, anchovies, and cut bait all work well. What makes them special is their fierce fight and that distinctive choppy bite from razor-sharp teeth. The meat is excellent when fresh, especially smaller fish under 5 pounds. Pro tip: use a wire leader - their teeth will cut through mono in a heartbeat, and when you see birds diving, get your line in the water fast.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the brown sharks that aren't sharks - dark bronze fish that average 30-50 pounds and can push 100+. They're loners, usually found cruising alone around structure, buoys, and wrecks in 20-60 feet of water. Spring through fall is prime time, especially during their spawning runs when they move inshore. What makes cobia special is their size and fight - they're bulldogs that will test your tackle and your arms. The meat is fantastic, firm and white like grouper, making them highly prized table fare. They're curious fish that will often investigate the boat. Here's the key: cobia are sight fish, so keep your eyes peeled for that distinctive brown shape cruising near the surface. When you see one, drop a bucktail jig right in front of it and hang on - they rarely refuse a well-placed offering.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are our signature species here in Beaufort - bronze-colored fighters with that distinctive black spot near the tail. Most run 18-27 inches and 3-8 pounds, perfect eating size. These fish love super shallow water, often feeding with their backs exposed in 1-3 feet around oyster bars, grass flats, and creek edges. They're year-round residents, but fall and spring offer the best action when they're most aggressive. What makes them special is their power - they'll peel drag and bulldoze toward structure. The meat has a mild, sweet flavor that's hard to beat. You can sight-fish them in clear water, which adds real excitement. Pro tip: when you spot a redfish tailing, cast well ahead of where it's moving and let your bait settle - they spook easily but will hammer a well-placed offering.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are one of our most reliable inshore targets, running 12-18 inches on average with plenty of keeper-sized fish in the 2-4 pound range. These spotted beauties love grass flats, shallow bays, and creek mouths where they hunt shrimp and small baitfish. They're most active during moving water and low-light periods - early morning and evening produce the best action. What makes them fun is their willingness to hit artificial lures and their solid fight for their size. The meat is delicate and sweet, though you need to handle it gently since it flakes easily. They school up in winter in deeper channels. Local tip: work your lures slow and steady - trout like a consistent retrieve, and a popping cork with live shrimp underneath is hard to beat in shallow water.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the crown jewel of our inshore fishing, with most fish running 20-30 pounds and some real bruisers pushing 40+. These silver beauties with distinctive black stripes love structure - rocks, jetties, drop-offs, and anywhere current moves bait around. Spring and fall are prime time when they're feeding heavily during migration. What guests love most is their power - they'll take drag and fight deep, making long runs that test your skills. The meat is sweet and flaky, perfect for the dinner table. They're smart fish that can be picky, so matching the hatch matters. Here's a local trick: when working structure, let your bait drift naturally with the current rather than fighting it - stripers ambush from the downcurrent side.
5.0 out of 5.0Captain Griffee was absolutely stellar! Our group included three longtime friends of varying experience, and he made our four-hou...
North Carolina